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Embers February 2025

February 14, 2025 2:57 pm

Our theme for February is The Holy Family, Model of All Families as we celebrated The Presentation of the Lord (Feb. 2). Obeying the Law of Moses, Our Lady and St. Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to present him to God as was proper for the first-born son and for Our Lady’s purification. As Catholics we should model their obedience in our daily lives. February is designated as Black History Month. We would like to highlight Venerable Augustus Tolton (1854-1897) the first known black priest in America. Denied admission by all the American seminaries because of his race, he was ordained in... View Article

Mission Trip Offers Health Access to Nigerian Community

February 14, 2025 2:57 pm

By Nadia Smith When Fr. Joseph Monkom Ayima, the guild chaplain for the Phoenix Guild, learned of his mother’s untimely death, he set out to honor her memory in the best way he knew how – He organized a mission trip to his hometown community. His mother, Rose Anime Ayima (1959-2023) was a matriarch of the Igodor community in the Ogoja local government area of Cross River State, Nigeria and dedicated her life to community development. As Father Ayima explained, “My mother died after a hernia operation on July 2, 2023. It was described as a result of medical malpractice... View Article

CMA Commends the Trump Administration for Re-establishing the Scientific Definition of Sex as Male and Female

February 14, 2025 2:57 pm

The Catholic Medical Association (CMA) commends the Trump Administration for the immediate action in re-establishing the science-based definition of sex as male and female. “In the executive order signed on his first day in office, President Trump demonstrates his administration’s commitment to science and facts rather than ideology and political pressure,” said Board Member Dr. Tim Millea, the chair of CMA’s Health Care Policy Committee. “Sex is a binary factor, and CMA welcomes this acknowledgment of incontrovertible truth in the practice of ethical medicine.” CMA has been sounding the alarm on the dangers of “gender affirming care,” which continues to... View Article

Lessons From Our Medical Student Colleagues

February 14, 2025 2:57 pm

By Roberty Motley, M.D. February makes us wish for Springtime here in Philadelphia. Yet, this month brings us many celebrations: our Eagles won the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, and my favorite—there’s more daylight with each passing day! For a number of years now, I have had the privilege of working with our area Catholic medical students. They are “growing up” in a vastly different health care environment, yet they are filled with hope. Why is that?  At a recent focus group with the students, they shared the things they are grateful for and the mentoring connections that are helping them... View Article

Two CMA Events Not to Miss: Registration Open

February 14, 2025 2:57 pm

It is that time again to start planning for the Medical Student and Resident Boot Camp and the Leadership Training Meeting, both inspiring and educational CMA summer events. Boot Camp is a several-day intensive formation experience of prayer, study, practical training, and mentoring with leading Catholic Medical Association physicians, priests, and moral theologians. It is a time of renewal and commissioning for medical students and physician in residency training programs.  Boot camp helps students and residents to more fully live and understand the Catholic faith and moral tradition to thrive as faithful Catholic physicians; develop skills to help organize Catholic... View Article

I am the Light of the World

February 14, 2025 2:57 pm

In medical school, students are reminded that we possess five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. Imagine growing up blind. If that prospect is not bad enough, imagine growing up blind and deaf. This was the life of a woman named Helen Keller. In her autobiography entitled, Helen Keller, The Story of My Life, she explains how she learned to communicate without the ability to hear or see. It was quite interesting reading how she learned what love is which we know is God (1 John 4:8). At the end of the final chapter she writes, “Thus it is... View Article

Restoring Male Fertility: A Training Course

February 14, 2025 2:57 pm

By Dr. Giuseppe Grande In 2024, the Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine of the Department of Medicine at the University of Padova, Italy held its first international high level training course on Reparative Medicine for Male Reproductive Health. The course trained several physicians from different countries in the diagnosis and treatment of male factor infertility with the aim of restoring natural fertility. This year, a second edition of the course will be offered and CMA members in related fields are encouraged to attend. The target of the course is not only training in Andrological Reparative Medicine, but also building... View Article

CMA Members Join Tens of Thousands at March for Life

February 14, 2025 2:57 pm

Members of the Catholic Medical Association (CMA) will join tens of thousands in Washington D.C. today for the 52nd National March for Life. CMA remains steadfast in its commitment to the sanctity of life, aligning with the 2025 March for Life theme, “Life: Why We March.” “The March for Life serves as a vital platform for CMA and the broader medical community to advocate for the protection of unborn lives and the promotion of authentic women’s health care,” said Executive Director Mario R. Dickerson, M.T.S. “By participating in this event, our members collectively and courageously emphasize the importance of life-affirming... View Article

CMA Challenges HHS Abortion Mandate

February 14, 2025 2:57 pm

Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys filed a federal lawsuit Friday against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for trying to force emergency room doctors to perform abortions under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. In the case, ADF attorneys represent the Catholic Medical Association, a national network of about 2,500 physicians and health care providers, arguing that the mandate violates members’ conscience rights and oversteps executive authority. After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and gave health care decision-making power back to the states in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the Biden administration announced its intention to force doctors to... View Article

Medically Necessary vs. Medically Relevant Services

February 14, 2025 2:57 pm

 by Gina G. La Prova, MD The American Medical Association defines medical necessity as a concept that describes the need for health care services that are justified. These services must meet accepted standards of medicine and be supported by scientific evidence. Medical necessity is determined by: Patient’s medical condition: The severity and urgency of the patient’s condition is a primary factor. Clinical guidelines: The services must be in line with accepted standards of medical practice. Scientific evidence: The services must be supported by scientific evidence. Documentation: The patient’s medical history, symptoms, and relevant family history must be documented. The most... View Article